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Oscar Watch: Director contenders

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Danny Boyle

Danny Boyle"Slumdog Millionaire"Pros: As late as August, Boyle thought his movie was going direct-to-DVD. That rags-to-riches story should be enough to win over the Academy, as it did the DGA.Cons: Boyle has never been nominated before, nor have his pre-"Slumdog" films drawn much Academy attention.

Stephen Daldry"The Reader"Pros: Three films, three best director nominations. Not bad for a theater guy. And never underestimate producer Harvey Weinstein's ability to win Oscars for his talent. Cons: Daldry has never won. And the film is perceived to have snagged the "fifth slot" in the picture and director categories, making it a long shot.

Stephen Daldry

David Fincher

David Fincher"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"Pros: "Button's" scope and visuals (and length) feel like an Oscar movie, and it leads with 13 noms. Fincher has wide respect in the Academy's technical branches. Cons: He's never been nominated before. And some voters haven't felt an emotional connection to the film as they have to some other contenders.

Ron Howard"Frost/Nixon"Pros: The only nominee who has won before (for 2001's "A Beautiful Mind"), Howard is one of the best-liked figures in the business. Cons: "Frost/Nixon" was praised more for its acting showcases than its direction. And its disappointing boxoffice might work against Howard.

Ron Howard

Gus Van Sant

Gus Van Sant"Milk"Pros: A respected vet, Van Sant was nominated once before for 1997's "Good Will Hunting. "Milk's" timely social message could help his cause with the Academy. Cons: The DGA picked Boyle. And Sean Penn's performance has garnered most of the awards attention.